Cornsilk: Poems and Photographs

Organized into two sections, Cornsilk honors both earth and heaven, the ancient traditions and some of the new. In each poem of her second volume of poetry, Aronoff's highly imagistic view of the land--and the people who live close to the land--enriches her ongoing theme of the interdependence of all things. How wonderful to see her compassionate mindfulness continue from her previous book, The Nature of Music.... The symbols and motifs of Cornsilk are at once extraordinary but familiar, a purposeful duality that exists throughout the book. Some may not be acquainted with the rites and traditions of these ancient cultures, yet through Aronoff's poetry, and the evocative photographs that enhance her poems, we welcome their wisdom into our lives. Some may not have traveled the mystical landscape of these poems, yet the connection between humans and their environment is timeless. Through the maturity of Aronoff's teachings and the intimacy of her words, when we close this precious volume, we are drawn to reflect on its lessons. All at once, we understand that we exist in an absolute and changeless reality. If we are honored enough to encounter a spiritual guide, we will voyage the world with a finer vision. And, like Aronoff, ultimately we will seek the sacred footprints of the badger. This is our legacy. This is our walk of life. (from the Foreword by Andrea L. Watson)